Rare Book Monthly

American Manuscripts from the William Reese Company

- by Michael Stillman

Artwork from the Buffalo Bill Novels.

Item 73 consists of 71 pieces of original artwork created for the cover of pulp magazine novels published in London about the American West. These were the Buffalo Bill Novels, which frequently, but not always, featured their namesake in adventures that undoubtedly never took place. Bill was a good storyteller, as were the magazine writers. This cover art was the work of Robert Prowse, and was created from 1918-1932. Each is about 14 x 11 in size, and was drawn in watercolors and gouache. Some of the drawings are dated and signed with initials, “R. P.” $55,000.

Item 77 is a sketchbook from what is still generally regarded as “the greatest of all oceanographic expeditions” – the journey of H.M.S. Challenger from 1872-1876. The Challenger sailed all over the world, its mission being to plumb the depths of the ocean floor. It measured depths, took temperatures, and dredged the bottom to discover whatever there was down there. Some 4,000 previously unknown species were found. The official report ran to 50 volumes, it taking 19 years to complete as specimens were sent to experts around the world. Unknown until the 1960s was that a cooper on board for the entire journey, Benjamin Shepherd, was drawing watercolors of the mission. The reality was that crewmen often found themselves with time on their hands. Shepherd's drawings feature the Challenger in various locations. Some are among the icebergs of Antarctica, and an imaginative one shows it dredging the sea, with mermaids guiding its nets. However, most feature the ship in various ports of call, which were clearly the most enjoyable times for the non-scientific crewmen. Shepherd's album contains 35 drawings, each roughly 6 x 9 ¾. $150,000.